Over the years that we have developed our best selling Neem Oil Spray, and our latest sticky pest traps, we've spent days and days with plant parents like you, hearing to their houseplant woes. The most common issue? PESTS! We get it. Caring for houseplants can be tricky. When houseplant pests infiltrate your home, it can be stressful and panic inducing. That's why we have put together this essential guide to help you identify and kill houseplant pests. From spider mites, to fungus gnats, this guide will turn you from a pest novice, to a plant sleuth in no time!
Why Do My Houseplants Keep Getting Pests?
First things first—why do houseplant pests show up in the first place? Here’s the deal: houseplants are like a tasty buffet for pests, particularly if they aren't growing in their natural habitat. They’re full of moisture, nutrients, and cozy little nooks for plant bugs to hide in. But, did you know that pests only tend to attack weak plants? If a plant isn't strong, the cell walls in leaves become weak and they stop emitting planty pheromones that keep houseplant pests away. That's why houseplants tend to get pests more than outdoor plants; because they're generally a bit weaker than plants grown in the ground.
What Are The Most Common Houseplant Pests and How Do I Identify Them?
Houseplant pests are small and hard to see; they can crawl, fly or stick their way into houseplant pests. Get to know these culprits so you can spot them before they cause too much trouble.
1. How To Fight Mealybugs 🪳
This is a weird, one. Mealybugs look like little cotton balls stuck to your plant - WTF! If you think you might have a pest on your houseplant, look in the crevices of stems and leaves to check if they're mealybugs, because that's where they hide. Hot tip; if you're scared to touch them, use our Leaf Cleaning Gloves.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Mealybugs
Ok so if you want the traditional way of getting rid of mealybugs, you can dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the mealybugs. The alcohol dissolves their protective coating and kills them on contact. BUT, we're too lazy for that, so we tend to use a Neem spray, and wipe the mealybugs away with our Leaf Cleaning Gloves.
2. How To Fight Spider Mites 🕷️
Spider mites are a common houseplant pest to look out for. They are itsy-bitsy pests that are almost invisible to the naked eye, but they’re big trouble for your indoor plants. If you've noticed a fine, thin webbing on your plants, its a sign that spider mites are invading. They also tend to love dry conditions, rather than wet moist conditions. Look for tiny specks and yellowing leaves, especially on the undersides.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Spider Mites
The first thing you want to do with spider mites, is get them off your plants. Give a spray of Protect Spray with Neem Oil, and then wipe well with our Leaf Cleaning Gloves. Alternatively, you can knock off many mites by putting your plant in the shower. Follow up with the neem oil spray every few days to keep the survivors at bay.
3. How To Fight Fungus Gnats 🪰
By far the most invasive houseplant pest, you're going to know if you have fungus gnats simply because of HOW ANNOYING they are! These tiny houseplant pests look a bit like fruit flies. They're small, black bodied and love moist soil. They'll often show up if you’re overwatering your plants. They’re more annoying than harmful, but their larvae can munch on your plant’s roots, which is definitely not good news.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Fungus Gnats
Fungus gnats love wet soil, so let your plant dry out between waterings. You want to use our sticky pest traps to catch the adults, and then spray a good quality neem oil spray to get rid of the larvae and eggs. Spray it liberally on your soil and repeat every 3-4 days.
4. How To Fight Scale 🐞
If you've noticed small flat, brown or light tan coloured bumps on your houseplant leaves, it could be scale. These are tiny armoured insects that cling to stems and leaves. They’re stubborn, hard to get rid of and can weaken your plant by stealing its nutrients.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Scale
Just like your other houseplant pests, you want to use the Leaf Cleaning Gloves to get the insects off your plant. Follow up with a neem oil spray to prevent reinfestation. Scale can be stubborn, so keep an eye out for return visits.
5. How To Fight Aphids 🐜
Look out for tiny, pear-shaped bugs. They'll be crawling on your plant leaves and are most often green in colour, but could also be black, red, or brown. If you're looking for aphids, take a look at new growth...it's where they like to hang out. They like to suck the sap from this tender new houseplant growth, so if you're starting to see new leaves curl and stop growing, be on the lookout for aphids. If you notice sticky residue (aphid honeydew) on your plant or the nearby furniture, it could be a sign that you've got aphids.
The Best Way To Get Rid Of Aphids
Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with water in a spray bottle and spritz it on the affected areas. Wipe with our Leaf Cleaning Gloves. The soap will break down the aphids’ protective coating and send them on their way. Rinse your plant after a few hours to keep it happy.
These are the easy ways to protect your houseplants from pests all year round
Wouldn’t it be nice to avoid pests altogether? Here’s how you can reduce the chances of pests crashing your plant party and keep your indoor plants thriving:
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Inspect New Plants: Give any new plants a thorough check before bringing them inside. Look under leaves and at the soil for any signs of pests.
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Quarantine Newbies: Keep new plants separate from your existing ones for a couple of weeks to make sure they’re pest-free.
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Water Wisely: Overwatering is a major pest magnet. Make sure your plants are in well-draining pots and let the soil dry out between waterings.
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Increase Air Circulation: Keep your plants in a spot with good airflow. Pests love stagnant air, so a little breeze can make your plants less inviting.
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Cleanliness is Key: Wipe down your plant’s leaves with a damp cloth regularly. Dusty, dirty leaves are more prone to pests.